I figured since I didn't do a playoff preview this season for each team as I did last year, I'll do a fun little countdown to this year's draft, since that's where my team is going to be instead of the postseason. Well we're getting down to the nitty gritty now in terms of the countdown. With only three drafts remaining, I went into a lot of due diligence to research and review each draft before putting in this submission. I feel as if I was wrong in a few of my early seedings in this draft and I wanted to really try as hard as possible to make the top five as acurate as I feel it could be. I think I've done that now. Coming in at number 3 in our countdown is the 2004 NBA Draft which actually featured a hot pre-draft debate on who would be drafted number one and a pretty good group of players in general. So here goes it loyal readers, number 3 on our countdown!

Not a bad group of guys coming in at the top ten. Going into the draft, it was largely rumored that Orlando would take established college star Emeka Okafor and that the expansion Charlotte Bobcats would take high schooler Dwight Howard and they'd grow as a franchise and player together. However, Orlando felt Dwight's talents were too good to pass up and they eventually made the right choice. Howard has become an perennial all star in this league and is already a two time Defensive Player of the Year award winner and already the best center in the league. Okafor, meanwhile, has turned out a nice little defensive career himself, although he's nowhere near the caliber player that Howard is. Ben Gordon took the league by storm his rookie season, showing explosive offensive talents and eventually becoming the first rookie in NBA history to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. Livingston was viewed as some to be the "next Magic Johnson" when he was coming out of high school. A great athlete with fantastic court vision, Livingston actually struggled to put together consistent stretches of success before severely injuring his knee in his third season in the league. After going up for a routine layup, Livingston landed awkwardly and tore the ACL, PCL and the lateral meniscus while badly spraining his MCL and dislocating his patella and tibia-femoral joint. He has struggled to stay in the league since, but he showed some late signs this season in Washington and will probably get another look there next season. Harris was a lightning quick guard out of college and became a nice change of pace for Dallas during the year they went to the NBA Finals. He eventually struggled over a definitive role in Mavericks coach Avery Johnson's system, and he was eventually traded to the Nets where he became an all star. Childress was a really solid player for his four years in Atlanta, and started a short fad in the 2008 offseason that consisted of average NBA players going to play overseas for big money. He may return to the NBA in due time, though. Luol Deng has shown a lot of promise in his short career with the Bulls, but injuries and inconsistencies haven't allowed him to truly take that next step, and there's still some resentment towards the Bulls management giving him a big contract instead of Gordon, who eventually left to go play for the rival Detroit Pistons. Aaraujo was a horrible bust from the very beginning, as Toronto was criticized for drafting by need and reaching for a player who was projected as a mid to late first round pick. Araujo was lost out on the court and was out of the league by 2007. The same can be said for Luke Jackson, a really solid scorer in college who was looked to be a coveted three point shooter for Cleveland. However, Jackson couldn't do much other than shoot and never got on the court. He last played in the NBA in 2007 as well. The Sixers found a nice player at 9 in Iguodala. A freakish athlete in college, he's been able to develop a semblance of a jump shot (even if he relies way too much on it) and is the current face of the 76ers franchise.

As you can tell, by this draft, the whole concept of jumping from high school to the pros had become quite the phenomenon, as by the top 20, eight players that were drafted were high school seniors. Biedrins, not being one of them, has become a nice player for Golden State, fitting in perfectly with their system although he seemed to take a major step back this season due to some serious confidence issues. But he has the ability to overcome those. Robert Swift continued Seattle's trend of "draft a center and see what happens," and nothing happened. He was constantly injured and never showed much promise when on the court in the first place. Telfair was a lauded prospect coming out of school and his family ties to Stephon Marbury and friendship with LeBron James created a stir over his potential talents. However, he's never been able to stay in a rotation and has struggled thus far in his NBA career. Humphries has managed to stay in the league as a nice hustle player and is currently playing for hte Nets. Al Jefferson showed some promise in Boston and was eventually the centerpiece in the trade that brought Kevin Garnett to the Celtics. He's become a great scorer for the Timberwolves but not much more and has suffered with injuries of his own the last two years. Snyder was a fantastic athlete who had a good year with the Hornets following his rookie season with the Jazz, but fizzled out of the league by 2008 and is now serving a three year jail sentence for a home invasion. Josh Smith took awhile to put all of his talents together, but the hometown Atlantan has become one of the most exciting players in the league and a nice building block of the future for Atlanta. J.R. Smith had a terrific second half to his rookie season in New Orleans, but quickly clashed with coach Byron Scott and was traded to Chicago for Tyson Chandler. Chicago then immediately traded him to Denver, where he's shown flashes of being a terrific scorer but is still every bit the immature head case he was for his two years with the Hornets. It's taking awhile, but Wright just may be coming into his own as a nice reserve rotation player for the Heat. Nelson, meanwhile, was the college player of the year and his story of falling down in the draft clashed with the number of high school players that were being chosen. Nelson eventually ended up with Orlando where he became their starting point guard and has since emerged into an all star player.

It was pretty cool to see three consecutive Russian players drafted in the first round. However, not one of the Russians turned out memorable careers. Podkolzin only played six games in two seasons with the Mavericks and was out of the league by 2006 while Khryapa and didn't fare much better. Khryapa became a starter in Portland by his second season, but was then traded to Chicago and was out of the league by 2008. Monia continued the hat trick and only played 26 games in the NBA before expressing a desire to return overseas after not cracking a rotation in the NBA. West and Allen became nice players for Boston during their short time there. West showed a penchant for coming up in clutch situations and his versatility at either guard position has allowed him to become a nice role player for Cleveland. Meanwhile, Allen's defense and athletic ability have allowed him to stay in Boston (even through their bad years where they got rid of, almost, everybody) and he's become a great reserve for a solid team this season. Martin was an explosive scorer in college and has become the exact same in the NBA, although injuries have limited his effectiveness the last two seasons. Vujacic was a wild shooter who struggled his first three seasons in the leauge, finally put it all together in 2008 (a contract year) and was resigned to a big deal, and has now gone back to struggling. Udrih struggled to stay on the court for San Antonio and eventually wound up in Sacramento, where he's found a home as the team's starting point guard the last seasons. Harrison was another really talented prospect, but his off the court issues and immaturity were a theme for some troubled Pacers teams at the time and he was out of the league by 2008.

A couple of really solid second rounders here. Varejao has become a really popular player in Cleveland and, even if overpaid, is an important rotation player for some successful Cleveland teams the last few seasons. Ivey is a defensive point guard who's managed to stay in the league thus far and even started some for Atlanta. Duhon was a great back up in Chicago but struggled when given starter's minutes in New York. His future in the league is uncertain. Meanwhile, Ariza struggled to stay on the court in New York and Orlando due to injuries and inconsistency, but was eventually traded to the Lakers where he struggled with injuries again before becoming the team's starting small forward when they won the championship in 2009. He parlayed that into a nice contract with the Houston Rockets, where he's currently their starting small forward.

I mention Wilkins because he's managed to stay in the league thus far. Nephew of NBA Legend Dominique Wilkins, Damien has stuck in the rotation for some playoff teams in Seattle and is still playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves today.

1. Los Angeles Lakers(1) - They've been number one all season long, and even though a part of me really wants to move them behind Boston, I simply can't. They've been winning, they've been winning consistently and they've been winning with a new player stepping up every night (ironically, the same can be said about Boston). They, though, have been great since the start of the season and I can't move them behind Boston. Not yet.

2. Boston Celtics(2) - Kevin Garnett is having probably his quitest season. Paul Pierce has been wildly inconsistent and Ray Allen's been a steady version of last year's diminished Ray Allen, yet this team continues to win. Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo, the two unheralded starters, are giving this team quality starts and they compliment what the big three do so well. Perkins' game has really improved this season.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers(3) - I hear people asking "who have they beat", well they've only lost 3 times this season-all on the road. A mark of a good team is winning games that you're supposed to win and that's what the Cavaliers are doing. Charles Barkley is right in saying that LeBron James needs to shut it and start diverting all of his attention to the game and to his team, but a part of me believes that LeBron is more infatuated with the money and stardom than he is actual results on the court, which is why he'll always be a notch behind Kobe Bryant.

4. Denver Nuggets(4) - Even though they had a dissapointing loss at home to New Orleans on Thursday, this team continues to chug along with Chauncey Billups in the lineup. This past week J.R. Smith really heated up and if he regains the form he had for much of last season then this team can only get better. Chris Andersen coming back helps, but he can't be a savior for this frontcourt.

5. Orlando Magic(6) - Rashard Lewis is starting to play really good ball (even if you would like to see better rebounding numbers out of someone his size) and Dwight Howard is improving on his free throw shooting. Losing Mickael Pietrus for three weeks will hurt but this team continues to do what they did last year, quietly win ball games.

6. Portland Trail Blazers(9) - I got some criticism putting them as high as I have the past couple of weeks but they proved me right this week. Brandon Roy is one of the hottest players in the league and they're getting great production out of players like Travis Outlaw and Joel Przybilla. They're deep and they're talented.

7. Houston Rockets(5) - They get Shane Battier back and now Tracy McGrady is having problems with his knee (he's looked dinged up all season, what with his shoulder and whatnot). They are still winning, though, and they're doing it without any of their players playing consistently great ball. Luther Head has stepped up the past couple of games, but Adelman's system allows this team to make up for whoever is struggling on that given night. That's the sign of a good team.

8. Utah Jazz(8) - They had a bad loss to New Jersey but Deron Williams is slowly regaining some of the form he showed last season. It's slow, but steady, progress. Meanwhile, Paul Millsap has been outstanding in Carlos Boozer's absence and you have to believe he's going to see an amazing increase in minutes even when Boozer comes back.

9. Atlanta Hawks(10) - They're getting better play out of Mike Bibby (which is good because teams are starting to double Joe Johnson consistently) and they're surprisingly getting great contribution from Maurice Evans lately. This team just continues to stay around.

10. Phoenix Suns(7) - I've had this team high all season but the intensity and execution they showed the first couple of games has worn off and the honeymoon period has already ended in Phoenix. Amare Stoudemire is now complaining about coach Terry Porter's system and the team is searching for an identity all over again. A tailspin may be in this team's future.

11. Detroit Pistons(11) - Allen Iverson is already missing practice and Rasheed Wallace continues to jack up three pointers. Michael Curry was supposed to bring needed change in attitudes in Detroit but the players and player styles and attitudes continue to hold this talented team back. They should be in better shape than they currently in.

12. New Orleans Hornets(12) - A good win at Denver and a quiet four game winning streak have gotten the Hornets back on track, but they still need some consistent ball out of anyone not named Chris Paul.

13. San Antonio Spurs(19) - Despite the loss to Houston, this team is above .500, they're getting good production out of their young players, and both Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are back. Those pesky Spurs just never go away.

14. New Jersey Nets(17) - People said I had them too high last week, I probably have them too high this week, but they're playing tremendous basketball. Devin Harris has played tremendous basketball so far this season and he and Vince Carter have consistently been there every night. They're supporting cast is hit and miss but they're getting a different person to contribute each and every night.

15. New York Knicks(14) - They need to get this Stephon Marbury situation over and done with, because it's clouding what's been a good season so far for the Knicks. David Lee has played great and Tim Thomas has been lights out since coming over from Clipper land. His best season came with D'Antoni in Phoenix, though, and his increase in production doesn't surprise me, and it won't surprise me when his production dips.

16. Dallas Mavericks(18) - There's not a hotter player in the NBA, currently, than Jason Terry and he's keeping this team afloat lately. They still can't get consistent production out of the small forward position and aside from Terry they can't really get an answer at shooting guard either, but Jose Juan Barrera looks like a solid backup at the point guard position.

17. Toronto Raptors(21) - They turned a horrible last week into a solid week this week until they ran into the Lake show. Chris Bosh has been outstanding this season and currently there's not a better big man in the league. They're getting great play out of Andrea Bargnani lately which is very encouraging, though the injury to Jermaine O'Neal isn't.

18. Miami Heat(13) - The Heat have been wildly inconsistent this season and it has to be frustrating for any Heat fan to watch this team win one, and then lose the very next game but at the same time they have to be happy with Dwyane Wade's production. This team is still relatively young and still has room to improve and should probably be around the playoff picture all season long.

19. Chicago Bulls(20) - All things considered, I believe Vinny Del Negro has done a solid job with this team. They're slowly starting to get healthier (and will be better when Kirk Hinrich returns) but they still are an inconsistent bunch. Drew Gooden has played well lately and Luol Deng is slowly returning to form as well.

20. Philadelphia 76ers(15) - Andre Iguodala has played like a guy with a fat new contract, in other words he's definitely underperformed but I think with the offense having to adjust to the half court offense that Elton Brand flourishes in takes away from the strengths of both Iguodala and Andre Miller. Maurice Cheeks needs to succeed this season if he wants to keep his job and it looks increasingly difficult for him to do.

21. Milwaukee Bucks(16) - They're struggling without Andrew Bogut but Richard Jefferson is quietly having a solid season. Charlie Villanueva has put up good number this season but still hasn't brought it consistently like he should in a contract year. He needs to develop a solid game and put that tremendous talent to use but he plays like a small forward and is too slow to play that position. He should look at a player like David West and try to emulate a version of his game and then he can fully reach his potential.

22. Indiana Pacers(22) - The Pacers are puzzling because they just can't seem to get over that hump and win basketball games. Danny Granger has been great, proving last year was no fluke, and Marquis Daniels has continued to play encouraging ball but they can't seem to get going as a unit. Early in the season it was T.J. Ford playing while everyone else was struggling and now Ford has lot a step lately. They need to get it together and I believe they will in the coming month.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves(25) - It feels weird putting them this high but I believe they're the best out of all of the lower tier teams. Sebastian Telfair has been a steady force at point guard with Randy Foye and Mike Miller has had a couple of good games lately. They won't make the playoffs, but winning nearly 30 games this season would be a huge step in the right direction for this squad.

24. Charlotte Bobcats(27) - Jason Richardson has returned and rumors are circling whether or not he will be shopped around. Gerald Wallace has also been rumored to be out the door lately as well and this team looks to be in questionable shape. D.J. Augustin has continued to play great and looks to be the best draft pick the team has made, which is ironic because he was not drafted at a position that needed filling and therefore his selection was criticized.

25. Golden State Warriors(24) - This team has been stuck in reverse all season long and they have to be hoping that when Monta Ellis returns they will make some progress this season because this team is young and in need of a step in the right dirction. Andris Biedrins has cooled off lately and Jamal Crawford, though a need at guard, can't run the offense like they need someone to.

26. Sacramento Kings(23) - This team is reeling and is doing so in a hurry. Even with Mikki Moore's return, this team still needs Kevin Martin as he's not only their best player, he's the team's leader. John Salmons will be a great running mate when Martin returns and if Beno Udrih plays as well as he has without Martin in the lineup then this team can take off. Until then they will continue to struggle.

27. Memphis Grizzlies(26) - The team is slowly reaching irrelevance again and they're really struggling to find ways to win basketball games. I don't think coach Marc Iavaroni has any chance to retain his job which is sad as he was once a promising candidate around the league.

28. Los Angeles Clippers(28) - Zach Randolph was a good acquisition and Al Thornton has played as well as he did last season but this team is missing something. I don't know what it is, but I think this team would be making a horrible mistake in ridding themselves of Chris Kaman. Even though he and Randolph don't mesh well, Kaman is a better player than Randolph and is a much better player than Marcus Camby. They should find a way to keep him on this roster even though they could get a lot for him. Eric Gordon has played great this week.

29. Washington Wizards(29) - As predicted last week, Eddie Jordan was fired but nothing has changed with this team. They have Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler and not much past those two players. Because of the guaranteed contracts, this team is in such a deep hole that they're going to be stuck in this position for the next few seasons and may lose their best player (Butler) soon.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder(30) - The 14 game losing streak is over and Kevin Durant and Jeff Green have played great ball this week. The offense looks a lot more fluid with Scott Brooks running the show. Why is Earl Waton still starting and how many chances is this team going to give themselves to draft a productive center in the lottery?

1) Los Angeles Lakers(1) - Even though the Lakers lost their first game this season Friday night at home to Detroit, they looked impressive in a back to back at Dallas and New Orleans and still field the team's best record at 7-1 and it's best player in Kobe Bryant. It's tempting to drop them with that loss to Detroit fresh in our memories but honestly, who deserves to be above them?

2) Boston Celtics(2) - This is another team I'm encouraged to drop but a slip up at home to Denver (a real testament to how better Denver is with Chauncey Billups in the lineup) but the team rebounded in a hostile game at Milwaukee and still is playing with that hunger, determination and intensity that made last season's team so fun to watch. Ray Allen has found his groove and Paul Pierce has played tremendous ball this season.

3) Cleveland Cavaliers(7) - The Cavaliers are the hottest team at the moment and LeBron James is playing the best ball of his career at this point. Mo Williams has settled into his role as the team's second option and Ben Wallace is showing some command on the boards again. With options like Daniel Gibson, Anderson Varejao and Wally Szczerbiak performing well off the bench this season the team looks prime to be Boston's best opposition for the Eastern Confrence crown.

4) Phoenix Suns(6) - It's fun to watch Shaquille O'Neal playing the best ball I've seen him play since his first season in Miami. With Steve Nash struggling and with Amare Stoudemire being unable to do it all by himself, O'Neal has been asked to do a lot and has answered the challenge. It's doubtful he'll play at this level the rest of the season but Phoenix fans have to be encouraged.

5) Orlando Magic(8) - Orlando has yet to look very vulnerable after their slow start, and the victory at Charlotte is impressive with the team playing without Dwight Howard for a majority of the game. Rashard Lewis had a big week and when Hedo Turkoglu regains last year's form this team will continue to be a fixture atop the Eastern Confrence.

6) Detroit Pistons(9) - OK so maybe the team wouldn't go winless without Allen Iverson, and I still don't think they're a championship team with him in the lineup, but they had a very impressive game at Los Angeles Friday night. Rodney Stuckey came back tonight after being absent a couple of games but the play of Aaron Afflalo gives this team more options off of an already solid bench and continues to add to the promise for the future of this team. Overall it has be an encouraging week in Motown after the flack they've received since the Iverson trade.

7) Denver Nuggets(15) - This may seem a bit high or premature but this team has gone 5-1 with Chauncey Billups in the lineup and they are playing an all around better style of ball with a true point guard in the lineup. Nene has looked great this year with the demanding role he's been given and Carmelo Anthony is spending more time around the rim and has improved his rebounding considerably. Mix that in with an impressive win at Boston and this team deserves the jump in the rankings.

8) Houston Rockets(10) - Something still doesn't seem quite right about this team. A dominating performance against New Orleans on Saturday is overshadowed by the dreadful performance in San Antonio the previous night and this team, after a fantastic first week, looks a little stagnant in its development. Overall, though, their defense has been superb and will only improve when Shane Battier returns.

9) Utah Jazz(5) - After starting the season 5-1 without Deron Williams in the lineup, the team surprisingly looked sluggish in his three games back (post a 1-2 record) before he sat out the loss at Cleveland. Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur are hurting as well and Utah has to weather the storm though the play of Kosta Koufos has been fine in relief of Okur and Carlos Boozer is playing like an MVP candidate.

10) Atlanta Hawks(3) - Josh Smith's injury hurt this team and after an impressive 6-0 start, they've lost their last three games. They've all been by close distances, though, and Joe Johnson continues to play all star-caliber ball. All this team needs is a little consistency but they've played like a team that should be in the playoff race at the end of the season.

11) New Orleans Hornets(4) - The Hornets, similar to Utah, have played sluggish ball this week and although they still boast a 5-4 record, they don't intimidate teams like they did at the end of last season. Consistency off the bench and in the execution of their offense will need to be addressed this week if they want to regain the form that they showed the first week of the season.

12) Portland Trail Blazers(14) - After again looking sluggish in his first game back, Greg Oden has averaged 12 points and 9.5 rebounds in relief in his last two appearances. If he can put up about those same numbers, he can help Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge drive this team to its first postseason appearance since 2004.

13) New York Knicks(12) - The Knicks came back down to Earth this week but Zach Randolph sure hasn't. Mike D'Antoni continues to amaze me with how much he's getting out of this squad. Wilson Chandler is putting up great numbers as well and this team is able to stay in the top half of the NBA this week.

14) Toronto Raptors(11) - This team is so hard to read but it's plain to see how thin they are at point guard. Past Jose Calderon this team has nothing and even though Chris Bosh is playing amazing basketball and Jermaine O'Neal has showed comfort in his new role, this team has yet to blow me away yet. They may be stuck in the "average" label all season long.

15) San Antonio Spurs(26) - After the horrid 1-5 start (the team's worst in over a decade), Tim Duncan, even still at this point in his career, has taken this team on his back and carried them to a 3-1 record this week. Michael Finley has shown flashes of his old self and Roger Mason continues to look like a guy who just seems like a "Spur fit". Tim Duncan is playing good ball, though, and if this team is around .500 when Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili come back then the rest of the league will have to watch another run by those pesky Spurs.

16) Chicago Bulls(16) - Derrick Rose continues to play at a phenomenal level and Ben Gordon is playing out of his mind at the moment. All of these things hide the fact that the Bulls had to sign Lindsey Hunter even though they have an influx of guards on the roster. Injuries to the backcourt have hurt this team but you wouldn't notice it in their play.

17) Miami Heat(13) - Dwyane Wade still continues to play amazing ball but the rest of the team is a nightly question mark. Shawn Marion looks so uncomfortable out there and Michael Beasley is going to be a rookie all season (meaning the inconsistency is going to be there). Udonis Haslem is playing good ball (as is Chris Quinn and Daequan Cook off the bench) but it's still too early to get a good read of this team.

18) Philadelphia 76ers(22) - I burried this team last week and even though Elton Brand, Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala are all still underacheiving, Thaddeus Young and Willie Green have powered a nice little three game winning streak in Philadephia. They have been two different teams this season but we'll look to see a little consistency (either way) as time goes on with them.

19) Milwaukee Bucks(19) - Impressive showings against the Spurs and Celtics (including a win against San Antonio) show that this team is more than capable even without Michael Redd in the lineup. Andrew Bogut is playing aggressive ball and Ramon Sessions needs to see an increase in minutes right now. Scott Skiles continues to get the most out of what he has on his roster.

20) New Jersey Nets(23) - Devin Harris has been amazing in his return from injury and the team has followed suit. They look like a much different team with him in the lineup and Ryan Anderson is playing very productive ball off of the bench. This team has played strong, energized ball so far this season and it's nice to see a team give that much effort after being burried all offseason.

21) Sacramento Kings(17) - This team has played admirable without Kevin Martin and even though Beno Udrih and John Salmons have kept the team in games with out Martin, they've lost almost all of the games without him in the lineup. His contributions go beyond the boxscore for this young team but you have to be impressed by the effort they show even when undermanned.

22) Indiana Pacers(20) - This team has been tough to figure out this season but I think with Mike Dunleavy yet to play a game this season, it's important that you don't completely judge what they're doing on the court. Brandon Rush is seeing an increase in minutes and an increase in production has followed. T.J. Ford has also continued his stellar play so far this season.

23) Golden State Warriors(25) - Stephen Jackson and Andris Biedrins have been amazing this season and slowly this team is getting a little bit of direction to them. I think once they address the Al Harrington situation (and we see what they get in return) we could see this team become a pesky counterpart for any team during the rest of the season.

24) Charlotte Bobcats(24) - They're still wildly inconsistent but at least Gerald Wallace is showing a bit of a return to form these past few games. Rumor has it that he's on the trading block, though, and with the play of Adam Morrison I can't say I'm surprised. But if they get anything other than a offensive frontcourt option then Michael Jordan will again have dropped the ball. This team is incredibly bland, though, and could be looking at a new owner in the next few years already. This organization is in dire need of success and I just don't see it on the horizon.

25) Dallas Mavericks(21) - After the tumultous offseason, Josh Howard has played encouraging ball. Jason Kidd, though, looks out of his element in this lineup and I think this team is better suited to a half court offense. I think they need to get back to what Avery preached but the problem is that Avery's no longer on the sidelines. Carlisle is rooted in defense, though, and I don't understand why he's not doing more to stress that side of the ball. This team has talent but needs to get Brandon Bass more minutes and needs to become dedicated to the defensive side of the ball again.

26) Memphis Grizzlies(18) - I praised the team last week and they fell back down to Earth this week. O.J. Mayo has been amazing so far but they are going to be wildly inconsistent as a team all season. Iavaroni probably won't make it past this year (if he makes it the entire year) but the team still has a good young nucleus intact.

27) Washington Wizards(28) - JaVale McGee and Nick Young have played admirable ball so far this season but this team still lacks a true identity and they just don't seem to play inspired ball. A coaching change may take place by the end of December in our nation 's capital.

28) Los Angeles Clippers(27) - Same old Clippers although they're starting to get relatively healthy again. This team still has yet to gell so far this season and with as many egos and personalities that they have on that roster it may be tough to do so. The fact that Baron Davis and Mike Dunleavy are already at odds, too, doesn't bode well for Dunleavy's job security.

29) Minnesota Timberwolves(29) - Aside from Al Jefferson and Randy Foye, does this team really have anything on its roster? Mike Miller has looked awful this year and moral victories are all that you have to look at this season. Randy Wittman doesn't deserve to be a coach in this league anymore than Dwayne Casey did.

30) Oklahoma City Thunder(30) - Jeff Green finally showed some life this week but the Thunder still continue to lose. Kevin Durant looks to be in the same rhythym he was last season, in other words getting his 20 points with a low 40's percentage shooting the ball and without much either rebounding or dishing the ball. He needs to develop his game a little bit more and this team has to show some signs of life if we're going to take any encouragement from this promising squad.

Well with the season nearing and with all of the players basically signed up to play for the upcoming 2008-2009 NBA season, I'm going to throw my predictions out there (even if it is too early). Their playoff seeding will be by the team name.

Eastern Confrence

Atlantic Division1. Boston Celtics (1) - The defending NBA champions throw out, roughly, the same roster and the biggest question is how hungry the big three will be after winning their championship. That may be a problem down the road but Kevin Garnett and company will not have hunger issues this season.

2. Philadelphia 76ers (3) - Obviously the addition of Elton Brand was huge for this team but it will be interesting to see how he meshes with this up tempo type team. Andre Miller is getting up there in age and Andre Iguodala had an awful postseason so there's room for skepticism but for some reason everything just looks as if it will mesh. Maurice Cheeks will have pressure to get out of the first round and if he can't deliver then he may be gone by next season.

3. Toronto Raptors (6) - Picking up Jermaine O'Neal gave them virtually a Chris Bosh carbon copy as both have similar games. Still the addition of another big man will always help and if O'Neal can be healthy and man down the center position (two tall tasks), if Chris Bosh plays like he did in the olympics, and if Jose Calderon plays like he did last season then this team could surprise. Too many if's for me, though.

4. New Jersey Nets - Even though this team was virtually in firesale mode this offseason I really liked the moves that they made. They picked up Yi Jianlian and I think he's going to be a great player in the league. Devin Harris is coming into his own as a point guard and the additions of role players like Bobby Simmons, Jarvis Hayes, and Eduardo Najera will keep this team playing hard. Is it just me or does anyone else see Vince Carter having a great season this year?

5. New York Knicks - Mike D'Antoni's gimmick offense worked when it had talent on his team. People forget how "great" his offense was when Leandro Barbosa was running the point the year before Steve Nash arrived. I don't know how he's going to involve Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry and company but if the offensive genius can do it then he'll have to do it with Chris Duhon at point guard. Good luck with that.

Central Division:1. Detroit Pistons (4) - The talks of the Pistons demise have been dramtically overexaggerated. I, too, thought that Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace needed to go but that Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince should be retained. Turns out all of them are there. This doesn't mean that the team is going to lose in the first round. This team is every bit as talented as any of the teams that have gone to the last six eastern confrence finals. The problem is, it's as talented as all of the teams that have collapsed in those same confrence finals the last three seasons.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (5) - The addition of Mo Williams was drastically overrated as his style doesn't look like it will match up with LeBron James. Maybe they know something I don't, though. It looks like a shoot first point guard who didn't really run an offense (Delonte West and Daniel Gibson) were already on the roster so it looks like he was brought in for his gaudy stats. Unless LeBron James truly can do it all and play center then this team will have no inside presence. Zydrunas Ilgauskas tries but he's too old to be a dominat presence. Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao don't deserve mention.

3. Indiana Pacers (8) - For the first time in a couple years I see the Pacers coming into the season with a direction. It may not be talented enough to make a huge splash but the playoffs are every bit a possibility. Mike Dunleavy finally came into his own last year and now the key is doing it on a good team. Danny Granger is as talented as they come and the additions of T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic will help make this team better than it was last year when it fielded Jamaal Tinsley and Jeff Foster in those spots. Foster is better off the bench and the Pacers could be in position to make a legitimate run at the postseason.

4. Milwaukee Bucks - Scott Skiles was a huge addition for this team. He'll be able to get the pass-first point guards like Ramon Sessions and Luke Rindour get the ball into Andrew Bogut and Richard Jefferson. Michael Redd is still a one trick pony and any team with him as your best player is not going to go anywhere deep in the postseason so the key is to get Bogut going this season. Now's as good a year as any.

5. Chicago Bulls - Last year I had them in the confrence finals, this year they still haven't proven to me they've overcome last year's turmoil. I said it would be interesting to see how everyone responded to almost being traded for Kobe Bryant and sure enough they collapsed. Was last year just that or is that mental weakness and turmoil still in the clubhouse. Vinny Del Negro as your head coach is a head scratcher and who knows where this team is headed this season. I don't think it's the postseason. Joakim Noah should have an awesome season, though.

Southeast Division:1. Orlando Magic (2) - Dwight Howard is right behind LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as far as best players in the league go. Rashard Lewis is going to put up similar numbers as he did last year (Though you'd like to see more rebounds) and the key is getting Hedo Turkoglu to repeat his performance from last season. Seeing that this is a contract year I think it's a big possibility. I wish Jameer Nelson would play all season like he did in last year's postseason and this team would be much better. They still lack that legitimate power forward and shooting guard but overall this team will be carried wherever Howard takes them.

2. Washington Wizards (7) - Losing Gilbert Arenas and replacing him with Juan Dixon isn't a blueprint for success and neither is dedicating all your money to two players on a team who haven't gotten your team out of the first round the past few seasons. This is a team destined for mediocrity and even though I love the games of all three members of the big three, they just don't spell championship success for a team. Caron Butler is great and I think with Arenas missing most of the season he can lead this team to the postseason.

3. Miami Heat - Dwyane Wade has made me a believer. After watching him in the olympics I can't wait to see him do it for a whole season. Problem is it's not likely he'll do it for more than 65 games. This year, though, they have Shawn Marion and Michael Beasley to pull some weight but the lack of a point guard or center could definitely kill this team. Spoelstra is a great selection as coach, though.

4. Charlotte Bobcats - Larry Brown was a fine addition to this club and they finally have a legitimate head coach. They just don't have legitimate players on the club. Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace don't mesh well together and Emeka Okafor would be better serves as a power forward on a contender. He's a fine player who was wrongfully given great player expectations. The selection of D.J. Augustin over Brook Lopez makes me scratch my head but it goes to show how much they don't think of Raymond Felton. Adam Morrison and Sean May's production expectations are anyone's guess.

5. Atlanta Hawks - My how they've fallen. Say what you want to about Knight but when he was fired I mentioned how bad of a move it was. Next thing you know this team lets Josh Childress leave, horribly mishandles the Josh Smith contract situation and are going to throw out a frontcourt of Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Al Horford. An aging Mike Bibby and floundering Joe Johnson won't save this team from taking a humongous step back from last season's promising playoff appearance.

Western Confrence

Southwest Division:1. New Orleans Hornets (2) - This team looks poised to take a step forward from their breakthrough performance last season. Inside presences like Tyson Chandler, fantastic scorers like David West and Peja Stojakovic, championship experience and toughness/defense in James Posey, athleticism and dedication from Julian Wright and Hilton Armstrong in addition to the best point guard in the league in Chris Paul leaves this team with no glaring weakness. The only problem for them will be how they handle expecting to win.

2. Houston Rockets (3) - The addition of Ron Artest is big and I really do look for Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to have huge seasons. This team will mesh together very well and the flexibility off the bench with players like Shane Battier, Chuck Hayes, and Carl Landry (whose offer sheet I expect them to match) give this team a lot of depth and talent. But I still can't see a team with Raefer Alston at point guard winning a championship.

3. San Antonio Spurs (5) - The models for consistency are getting up there in age and with Manu Ginobili's health being in question coming into the season you have to wonder what, exactly, this team is going to do this upcoming season. Tim Duncan may have a couple more seasons like last year stored up but it's not guaranteed. You know what you're going to get out of Tony Parker but the rest of the team is open to interpretation. Roger Mason's a nice pickup, though, and this team is still a legitimate title contender with Tim Duncan on the roster.

4. Dallas Mavericks (7) - I stated last year that no team with Dirk Nowitzki as its best player would win a championship. The Mavericks tried to adress this by giving up Devin Harris for Jason Kidd and again (as properly predicted) it blew up in their face. Josh Howard has become a public relations nightmare and you have to wonder if this team as presently constructed can ever recover from that series with the Warriors two seasons ago.

5. Memphis Grizzlies - O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gay are going to make this team exciting and if Marc Gasol lives up to expectations and Hakim Warrick plays as he did at the end of last season this team has the makeup and talent to be every bit as pesky and annoying as last year's Sacramento Kings team was. Their lack of a bench will keep us from taking them serious (unless you want to mention Antoine Walker and Darko Milicic, then again why would you?) but this is a team with a very good direction who could be good again in a couple years.

Northwest Division:1. Utah Jazz (4) *by virtue of winning division - No offense to the rest of the teams in the northwest division but this is the weakest division in the West by far and aside from the southeast may be the weakest in the league. The Jazz are extremely talented and still lack enough inside power and a legitimate swing man to be taken serious as championship contenders but Deron Williams is the most underrated player in the league and this team will again win this division and be on its way to the postseason.

2. Portland Trail Blazers - Getting Greg Oden back is huge and Bradon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge are already legitimate. This team, though, still seems to be lacking somethign to take that last step. They're going to push for a postseason spot but last year this team thrived on everyone writing them off. They can't get caught up in the hype surrounding them or else they'll fail to live up to those expectations.

3. Denver Nuggets - Having a frontcourt of Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen isn't the sturdiest nor most dependable assembly of big guys in NBA history and that alone is the reason why the Nuggets will miss the playoffs for the first time in five years. Allen Iverson was denied a contract extension and will probably finish the year on someon else's team. J.R. Smith is a good player but you have to scratch your head at the contract he was given. Who knows how focused Carmelo Anthony is and if his head will ever match his skill out on the court.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kevin Durant is the real deal. Everyone who said he had a bland year last season didn't really watch him play. He and Jeff Green are good cornerstones for this team and players like Desmond Mason, Joe Smith, and Nick Collison will make this team more competitive than last season's Supersonics. I'm surprised Carlesimo was retained but you can't blame him for last season's debacle of a team. Sam Presti has this team in the right direction and in a few years they're going to be great. Kudos to those great fans as well.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves - New logo, new power forward, same Kevin McHale, same Timberwolves. Trading O.J. Mayo for Kevin Love is confusing regardless of the influx of guards on the Timberwolves roster. Mike Miller is a fine player and Al Jefferson is the real deal, but why Randy Wittman is a head coach in this league I'll never know. It's tough for me to see this team being anything better than what was on the court last season.

Pacific Division:1. Los Angeles Lakers (1) - There's no doubt as to who is going to win this division. The Lakers are the most talented team in the league and getting Andrew Bynum back is more of a boost to this team than Greg Oden is to Portland. Bynum should move in and it will be awkward at first before this team catches its groove around December/January. Bynum's injury status is something to keep an eye on as he hasn't yet played a full season. Kobe Bryant is the best player in the league and this is the Lakers' best shot at bringing home a championship.

2. Los Angeles Clippers (6) - Yes I put them above Phoenix. Even though chemistry may be a problem they put a talented team together and it's a team full of players who look like they will fit together. Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby are going to be deadly inside presences (if Kaman is focused for 82 games) and Baron Davis and Eric Gordon should light it up on the offensive end. They're not going to win championships but this team is very talented and if Mike Dunleavy can't get them to be legitimate this season then he's just not the coach we thought he was.

3. Phoenix Suns (8) - Signs of Steve Nash's decline are in place and even though Terry Porter is going to be good for this team you have to wonder if it's too late for the Suns to contend for their title. Shaquille O'Neal is light years past his prime but is still a legitimate center and a fantastic role player at this stage in his career: when he's motivated. That's the problem. Amare Stoudemire is a top ten player in this league and if he ever learns how to pass or play defense then he's going to be something special for years to come. But he's developed a fantastic mid range game to offset what he's lost with those knee surgeries. Problem is, though, this team is not built around Stoudemire. In due time, though.

4. Golden State Warriors - The Warriors, last year, were the toast of the town. Losing Baron Davis and trying to replace his scoring with Corey Maggette will show up in the box score but not in the leadership or win-loss column. After being burned by Elton Brand and Baron Davis and also losing Monta Ellis for the beginning of the regular season Warriors fans have to be wondering what's going to become of that promise that was there at the end of the 2006 season. Brandon Wright and Anthony Randolph are very good players to grow with but Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington are just like Corey Maggette and nobody knows who's going to run this team.

5. Sacramento Kings - After last season's surprising season this team will not sneak up on anybody this year. Kevin Martin looks like this generation's Reggie Miller; in other words he can score and try on defense but not much else. That's not a knock on him as I think he's better in that role than Michael Redd is and he's somebody good to build around. I just don't know if they'll win a championship with him as the guy on the team. Giving Beno Udrih that long term contract is quite the gamble but if he plays like he did last season it will pay off. If not he's going to just be on the roster for three years until they release him. This team is still talented and I still love Reggie Theus but the perception is they're not a playoff team, yet. And I agree.

Postseason Predictions

Eastern Confrence First Round

1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Indiana Pacers - The Pacers surprise run to the postseason may end quickly or the Celtics could start off slowly as they did last postseason. Either way, Kevin Garnett dominates and the Celtics advance.

2. Orlando Magic vs. 7. Washington Wizards - The Wizards string of seasons backing into the playoffs and losing in the first round will be continued this season as Dwight Howard destroys Brendan Haywood and the Magic advance.

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Toronto Raptors - The matchup of Chris Bosh vs. Elton Brand will be hyped uncontrollably and this series should be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, though, the addition of Jermaine O'Neal gives no new result for the Raptors as they bow out in the first round again.

Eastern Confrence Semifinals1. Boston Celtics vs. 4. Detroit Pistons - Last year's big matchup will now be held in the semifinals instead of the confrence finals. The Pistons, though, will suffer the same fate as the Celtics make relatively quick work of the Pistons in five or six games.

2. Orlando Magic vs. 3. Philadelphia 76ers - This will be a great matchup of last year's two surprising teams. Stan Van Gundy will try to bombard the Sixers with three pointers while the Sixers will struggle to make some. Elton Brand and company will give a valiant effort but the Sixers will lose in the semifinals.

Eastern Confrence Finals1. Boston Celtics vs. 2. Orlando Magic - Dwight Howard will show up in the main stage but the Magic's continued improvement will again halt. Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu will dissapear in the key stretches and Paul Pierce will carry the Celtics back to the finals. They lose in the first round in 2007, the 2nd round in 2008, and now the confrence finals in 2009.

3. Houston Rockets vs. 6. Los Angeles Clippers - This will, again, be a very interesting matchup. The Clippers will steal a game in Houston and everyone will panic and remind themselves Tracy McGrady has never gotten past the first round. But then when the series shifts to Los Angeles McGrady will take over and Rafer Alston will knock down big shots to help the Rockets win this series in six games.

4. Utah Jazz vs. 5. San Antonio Spurs - A fantastic matchup in the first round will take place but this series will only be for the old school fans. A lot of tough, inside, rough and tough, physical games will take place but that benefits the Spurs. Tim Duncan and Carlos Boozer will be a good matchup as will Tony Parker's speed vs. Deron William's strength but Manu Ginobili will out shoot Kyle Korver to help the Spurs advance.

Western Confrence Semifinals1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5. San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs will come into this series destined to avenge last year's embarassment in the Western Confrence Finals. The result will be the same, though, as Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom, again, prove to be the difference in this series and allow the Lakers to edge the Spurs in six games.

2. New Orleans Hornets vs. 3. Houston Rockets - This will (until the Western Confrence Finals) be the best matchup of the playoffs as the Rockets size and strength will matchup against the Hornets finesse style of play. Yao Ming will dominate as the Hornets leave Tyson Chandler one on one against the 7'6" superstar. Peja Stojakovic will be smothered by Ron Artest and Luis Scola will do his best to stay in front of David West. The Hornets will panic but James Posey and Julian Wright will slow down Tracy McGrady and eventually Chris Paul and David West will run the pick and roll to perfection to advance in seven games.

Western Confrence F inals1. Los Angeles Lakers vs.2. New Orleans Hornets - The matchup of what would have been the more entertaining Western Confrence Finals last year will take place this season as these two talented teams will fight to see who advances to face the Celtics in the NBA finals. Kobe Bryant and company will split with the Hornets in Los Angeles before taking game 3. But the Hornets will come together in game 4 and gell just in time to take the series in seven games due to Peja Stojakovic's surprising play in a series that actually matters.

NBA FINALSBoston Celtics (home court) vs. New Orleans Hornets - The hungry Hornets will come into town to matchup with the defending champions and the prospects of having James Posey try to take the championship away from the team that he left in the offseason will make for fun storylines. Chris Paul will be slowed down by Rajon Rondo but David West will step up big time and prove to be a key factor in his matchup with Kevin Garnett. Tyson Chandler will slow down Garnett on the offensive side of the court and although Paul Pierce will light up the Hornets, Peja Stojakovic will out shoot Ray Allen in the matchup of players who do virtually nothing other than rebound. The Hornets will win exactly one game in Boston but that will be enough to take the series in six games and allow (homer pick) for your 2009 NBA Champions, for the first time in franchise history, to be the New Orleans Hornets.